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Nearly 400,000 American children and youths are in foster care, and Chemung County on Wednesday honored some of the families that open their homes and their hearts to needy children.

The Chemung County Department of Social Services held its 17th annual Foster Parent Banquet on Wednesday to honor area residents who are among the 153,000 foster families nationwide that provide temporary safe, stable and nurturing homes for children whose parents are unable to care for them.

A highlight of the banquet was the presentation of two awards to foster families who have gone above and beyond for the families they work with.

The Lifesaver Award was presented to Suzette and Chuck Wheeler, Stephanie Strykowski and Sue Cleary.

The McDonough Award was given to Christel Harris. This award is presented annually to a family that embodies commitment, nurturing and concern for the well-being of children and their families, and is made in honor of Daniel and Ruthella McDonough, who fostered several hundred children in Chemung County from the 1970s to 1990s.

Being a foster parent is a challenging but rewarding task, said Karen Fitzpatrick, supervisor of the county's Homefinding Unit.

The Department of Social Services is always on the lookout for dedicated individuals and families willing to take on foster children, she said.

"Recruitment for foster and adoptive families is a continuous effort. No matter how much time you have to give, you can make a difference that can change a life for a young person in foster care." Fitzpatrick said. "We hold information and orientation activities every month. In addition to regular foster homes, Chemung County is actively recruiting for homes that will foster adolescents. We also have a need for homes that can foster large sibling groups and children with special needs.”